using the density processing tool (part 2). goals of the lesson: demonstrate how to load the density...

Using the Density Processing Tool (Part 2)

Goals of the Lesson:

•Demonstrate how to load the Density Processing Tool.

•Orientation to the Density Processing Tool.

•Demonstrate how to make density layers with the Density Processing Tool and how to load them intoArcMap.

Begin with the ArcMap set up as in part 1

Access the C drive of the computer (or wherever the Density ProcessingTool is located).

Find the Phase 13 folder (or the folder in which the Density ProcessingTool is located).

Locate and open the Density Processing Tool.

The Density Processing Tool should load.

Now, for a quick overview of the functions of the Density Processing Tool.

The “Select Shapefile to Process” option sets the shapefile used to create the density layer.

Do not change it – the xy geocode file is needed for the tool to work!

A Quick Overview of the Density Processing Tool

The “Set Output Directory” option specifies the directory in whichthe density layer file will be generated.

Density layers can be output to any desired directory.


The “Select Symbology Layer” option can be used to apply a desiredappearance to the layer.

It does not need to be used at this point.


In the “Enter NAICS Codes” option, the NAICS codes for which the density layer will be generated are entered.


A single density layer can be created for multiple NAICS types by entering different NAICS codes, separated by commas.


A single density layer can be created for multiple NAICS types by entering different NAICS codes, separated by commas.


42,49,4521

For help with determining what each NAICS code represents, a spreadsheet list of NAICS codes is included in the Phase 13 Folder (or the folder in which the Density Processing Tool is installed).


The spreadsheet lists the NAICS codes by major category (double digit) ……. and subcategories. (three or more digits)


When a NAICS category is entered into the Density Processing Tool tocreate a density layer, all of the subcategories for that layer will be included in the density.

For example, when 48 (transportation) is entered, all of its subcategories (48XXX – all types of transportation) are also included in the layer.


Or, when 481 (air transportation) is entered, all of its subcategories (481XX – all types of air transportation) are also included in the layer.


Again, when 4811 (scheduled air transportation) is entered, all of its subcategories (4811X – all types of scheduled air transportation) are also included in the layer.


The more refined the NAICS code used with the Density Processing Tool(the more digits it has), the more targeted the density layer will be towards a specific portion of a type of business.


Using a narrow (more digits) NAICS code to generate a layer will createa more targeted layer, but that layer will also have sparser density.


The more refined the NAICS code used with the Density Processing Tool(the more digits it has), the more targeted the density layer will be towards a specific portion of a type of business.


The Variable to Calculate option selects the variable used to calculatedensity. Employees should be used, as it is thought to be the best variable for calculating density.



Use the pop up menu to select the variable.

The name for the new density layer is entered in the two name boxes.


The name must be no longer than 11 characters.


nys42g25r1

nys42g25r1

Move the slide bars to the right to increase the grid size…….. or the search radius.


Move the slide bars to the left to decrease the grid size…….. or the search radius.



Each grid displays the level of density for its search radius. In effect,increasing the grid size lowers the resolution at which changes in density are displayed, and decreasing grid size increases the resolution.


= Employment Point(Individual business)

Now, for a quick demonstration:

The search radius adjusts how far away each grid cell will search foremployment points when calculating density. A larger radius will pullin farther away points; a smaller radius will only count points near eachgrid cell itself.


Now, for a quick demonstration:


= Employment Point(Individual business)

Now create a layer file based on the previous directions.•Remember to not change the shapefile or symbology layer.

Creating a Density Layer File

• Select an output directory.


• Enter the NAICS codes to be used in generating the density layerseparated by commas.


42,49,4521


• Set the Variable to Calculate option to Employees.

• Enter a name for the results and a name for the shapefile.(make sure the name is no longer than 11 characters)


42g25r1

42g25r1

Quick advice on naming density layer files.•An easy way to track density layer files is to name them by their NAICS code, followed by the grid size and then the search radius.(NAICS)g(grid size with no decimal)r(radius with no decimal)

•Since all layers are generated for New York State, there is no needto name them by location (although it can be done).

•Although this method of naming layers is efficient, there may bethe need to abbreviate when using five or six digit NAICS codes in order to keep the name under 11 characters long.


For example, a layer for NAICS 42 with a grid size of .25 miles and a search radius of 1 mile would be written:42g25r1

A layer for NAICS 4811 with a grid size of .50 miles and a search radius of 3miles would be written:4811g50r3

Set the Grid Size… and the Search Radius.


Now Process the Density Layer.


For this example, a density file will be created for 42 (wholesale) using a grid size of .25 miles and search radius of 1 mile.


This box will appear – click OK to begin processing.

The processing of the layer can be watched in the output directory.


Files will be displayed as “LOCK File” while the layer is beingprocessed.


When processing is finished, the layer file will be displayed.

The Density Layer is Ready to be Added to the Map.

Now Proceed to Part 3

using the density processing tool (part 2). goals of the lesson: demonstrate how to load the density...

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